by Miriam | Jun 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
I recently was reading a marketing blog that was talking about a product and his question was, "Would they miss you if you were gone?" – In other words, bring something of value and create need or brand loyalty.
What are the items / products I miss when I can't obtain them?
But more importantly, WHO are those I miss when I don't have access to them?
And equally important – Do I live in such a way that I create a hole when I am absent?
I want to live in a way that I am value-added to the equation.
by Miriam | Jun 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
Driving in San Fransisco – the land of one-way streets.
Thank goodness for the mapish program on my phone! It has reduced stress and if you take a wrong turn, "Oh well …" because it just recalibrates.
If only we had this for relationships ….
Took a wrong turn? Said the wrong thing? Recalibrating. Turn here, say this.
I believe most friendships will allow you to re route. You just have to admit you're lost and be willing to sometimes change direction.
Do overs are amazing.
by Miriam | Jun 14, 2014 | Uncategorized
Someone I love is playing a piece on the piano which is also dear to my heart.
The music has deep meaning. Both because of the era I associate it with, and the persons I link to it.
The woman I have known for almost all her life also holds huge space in my heart.
When something becomes layered, internally it becomes like a science-fiction time-changing movie where the screen moves away from you, showing you the various images and eras all simultaneously.
So now, this music and experience currently means then and this present moment.
Along with this comes the complexity of all the emotions that coincide with each of the years as well.
We as people are intricate and interconnected.
I wonder if this explains why little children are full of joy – their experiences are singular and uncomplicated. With every ensuing year, our memories and experiences get "married" to other events – not all of which are simplistically pure and whole. There's an enormous amount of sadness that also gets woven into the good.
I was at a workshop where I was asked to proffer an "uncomplicated memory" – and quite honestly, I couldn't do it.
Perhaps one of our tasks as we age is to somehow see and grasp the layered nature of our experience and then volitionally choose to experience now as if it is the singular event – take the happy and skip with it; do we need to just hold voraciously onto that heart of a child?
And run with joy while the music lasts.
by Miriam | Jun 13, 2014 | Uncategorized
I did it.
Not only did I not bring my computer, but I snuck a small lightweight jacket in that tiny bag and I walked on hands free. Emancipated.
One of the people I am staying with chose to do a "phone fast" for the week we are here … she felt like her phone was weighing her down. I gave her a 'high-five' for it.
Sometimes, when things are weighing you down, dropping some weight – in whatever form that takes is liberating.
by Miriam | Jun 12, 2014 | Uncategorized
I am traveling again, perhaps not as Spartanly as the previous trip. Yet, I did make the decision to leave my computer at home.
What?
Gasp, you say?
Yes, it's true. This may be the worst decision of my life (just kidding) but I am leaving my beloved Mac home.
As I was thinking through my packing, I have this huge desire to be completely hands free. I have a layover in one city and a three hour wait before I can join up with friends I am meeting at my destination. Normally, I would want my computer to internectify … but I just don't want to have to carry the thing. It's not that its all that heavy – a mere 4.5 pounds if remember the specs correctly.
But there is a lot on my mind these days, and it feels like I am already carrying too much on the inside; hence the desire to carry little, if anything on the outside.
I have a 8" x 10" bag/purse/pouch/overtheshoulderthingy … it will hold a book, a journal, my phone, a pen, ear plugs, headphones and my ubiquitous Luna bars. Perhaps some gum. And three quarters. For no reason other than it just seems like a good thing to bring.
If I could, I would bring NOTHING.
But, alas, I am not that brave.
by Miriam | Jun 11, 2014 | Uncategorized
Don't say you're going to show up and then you choose not to.
I'm not talking about forgetting, or something major got in the way … I'm talking about not valuing the other person's time or effort or energy as much as your own.
The person you are ultimately disrespecting is yourself.
But it's the other person who feels it.
It's a bit of a bridge-burner.
